Yes. It involves the painless insertion of ultra-thin, single use, disposable needles into specific points on the body called ‘acupoints’. Performed by a qualified, conscientious practitioner who knows the human anatomy well, Acupuncture should not be a painful experience.

Upon insertion patients may feel a sensation of tingling, warmth or heaviness or a pleasant feeling of relaxation. Quite often, patients seek Acupuncture for relaxation, to reduce stress and/or depression and insomnia.

Qualified Acupuncturists are well aware of the concerns over infectious diseases and will take every measure to insure cleanliness, as all health care professionals do.

Yes.  Acupuncture is becoming an integral part of conventional treatments as a complementary therapy, speeding up the healing process as well as strengthening your immune system. It is used in the treatment of chronic illness, acute conditions (i.e. acute muscle sprain, ankle sprain or pain relief in children) and can be safely taken with conventional drugs without any adverse effects. 

However, your acupuncturist needs to know about any medication you are taking, so they are able to select what \'acupoints\' best support your current treatment plan and what points to avoid, as this may affect your response to the acupuncture treatment.  It is advisable to mention that you plan or are having acupuncture with your GP.

Oriental Medicine and Acupuncture are powerful healing tools, but they are neither panaceas nor the solution to every health care problem. Both Western and Oriental Medicine have their respective strengths and weaknesses, which is why the two systems work effectively together. When appropriately combined the patient is well served.

Acupuncture is becoming an integral part of conventional treatments.  As supported by the World Health Organization, it is especially effective in speeding up the healing process as well as offering pain relief for:

Respiratory Diseases (i.e. acute sinusitis, common cold, acute tonsillitis)
Bronchopulmonary Diseases (i.e. acute bronchitis, bronchial asthma)
Eye Disorders (i.e. acute conjunctivitis, myopia, central retinitis)
Disorders of the Mouth Cavity (i.e. toothache, pain after tooth extraction, gingivitis)
Orthopedic Disorders (i.e. tennis elbow, sciatica, low back pain, rheumatoid arthritis)
Gastronintestinl Disorders (i.e. Acute and chronic gastritis, chronic duodenal ulcer, constipation)
Neurologic Disorders (i.e. headache, migraine, facial paralysis)

Yes, Acupuncture during pregnancy has proven particularly effective in relieving fatigue, migraines, morning sickness, as well as the more extreme Hyperemesis Gravidarum (sever vomiting during pregnancy) during the first 14 weeks (first trimester).

"The Australian study published in the journal Birth reportes that of 593 women less than 14 weeks pregnant who participated, those who received traditional acupuncture reported having less frequent and shorter periods of nausea than the women who received no acupuncture. These improvements were felt immediately and lasted throughout the study's four-week duration." iParenting Media.

During the second and third trimester, Acupuncture can alleviate heartburn, hemorrhoids, stress, sciatica, muscles and joint pain (i.e. back pain and carpel tunnel syndrome), and in the last few weeks has proven effective in preparing both mother and baby for labour.

Acupuncture is recommended for children aged 6 years and over. It is becoming increasingly useful in treating a variety of conditions in children, specifically in the reduction of pain.

Acupuncture tends not to be used to treat children as often they tend to be afraid of needles. However, once their initial fear is overcome often the short-term discomfort is worth the long-term results.  Children are often surprised at how relaxing it is and the positive effects it has on their energy levels.  Unlike adults, a simple in-and-out technique is adopted so the needling time is shorter and fewer needles are used. 

See our Acupuncture for Kids section for more information.